Skilled Migrants Are Needed To Power The Uk Economy, Says Bcc

Commenting on the employment-related settlement changes announced by the Home Secretary today, Dr Adam Marshall, Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC), said:"While a salary threshold set at £35,000 will not stop the best and the brightest migrants from coming here to contribute to our economy, employers remain concerned about the potential for unintended consequences so this new level must be monitored. We welcome the exemption from the threshold for employees using the shortage occupation route, as they have the key skills Britain needs to power economic recovery, while giving the government and employers time to train up UK nationals to fill these gaps.

"However, the government must be clearer that Britain welcomes the best talent from overseas. Sometimes the rhetoric is off-putting. If skilled individuals think the UK doesn't want their skills, they will go to our global competitors who have made their interest very clear.”